In 1905 Alfred Binet and Theodore Simon
developed the first modern intelligence test.Since that time we
have been debating what “intelligence” is, where it comes
from, and how to develop it.

Our “Intelligence Quotient” or “IQ”
is generally thought of as our analytical or mathematical
intelligence and our linguistic intelligence (think of college
entrance exams – verbal and math components).Initially it was
expected that IQ would be a strong predictor of success in
careers.In fact
it has turned out to be a weak predictor of success.IQ appears to be
related to minimum
standards to enter a given a profession.Once you have chosen
your career, what actually leads to success is far more
complicated.

Howard Gardner opened the door to
discussion of “multiple intelligences” with his book Frames of Mind in 1983.He listed seven
different types of intelligences in that book:

1.Linguistic

2.Logical-mathematical

3.Musical

4.Bodily-kinesthetic

5.Spatial

6.Interpersonal

7.Intrapersonal

Gardner’s 6th and 7th
intelligences would later be combined into the study of
“emotional intelligence.”In his book Intelligence Reframed, 1999, Gardner offers that one might add a
“philosophical intelligence” which would combine
spiritual, moral, emotional, transcendental, cosmic and
religious intelligences.

A
Simple Model of Four Intelligences

The simplest model I use
describes only four intelligences.I show them as a
pyramid to demonstrate the simplest sequence of development.I always acknowledge that this is too simple a model.Yet it is a helpful
visual aide.

The idea of this model is that as babies we
first focus on controlling our bodies.Then our linguistic
and conceptual skills develop (“IQ”)…and are a key focus
of our school work.We
do some early development of relationship skills, but for many
of us “EQ” or emotional intelligence becomes a focus area
only later when we realize we need to improve – usually
based on feedback in romantic and work relationships.“SQ” or spiritual
intelligence typically becomes a focus later – as we begin
to search for meaning and ask “is this all there is?”

SQ and EQ are related to each other.I believe we need some
basics of EQ to even successfully start our spiritual growth.Some degree of
emotional self-awareness and empathy is an important
foundation.Then,
as our spiritual growth unfolds, there would be a
strengthening of EQ skills – which would further reinforce
and assist the growth of SQ skills.

Emotional
Intelligence

Daniel Goleman popularized the phrase
“Emotional Intelligence” with the publication of his book
by the same title in 1995.In his book, Goleman cites research at Bell Labs that
examined star performers, and tried to determine what
distinguished them from more average performers.It appeared that star
performers had significantly stronger relationship skills and
personal networks than average performers.Harvard Business
Review published the results of the Bell Labs study in 1993.Business
interest in the study of “Emotional Intelligence” or
“EQ” began in earnest.

EQ is actually a large collection of
skills.Goleman
and Richard Boyatzis have recently grouped these skills into 4
quadrants as shown below...

SELF AWARENESS

Emotional self-awareness

Accurate self-assessment

Self-confidence

OTHER AWARENESS

Empathy

Organizational Awareness

Service Orientation

SELF MANAGEMENT

Emotional Self-Control

Transparency(honest/trustworthy)

Adaptability

Achievement Orientation

Initiative

Optimism

RELATIONSHIP SKILLS

Developing Others

Inspirational Leadership

Influence

Change Catalyst

Conflict Management

Teamwork & Collaboration

The research done by Goleman and Boyatzis
shows that Self-Awareness skills must be developed before the
others can develop.This
makes sense if you consider Emotional Self-Awareness.If I don’t know when
I am angry how can I have Emotional Self Control?How can I have Empathy for your anger?How can I handle conflict appropriately?

The research on EQ has left no doubt that
these skills are vital for personal and business success.

Defining
Spirituality and Spiritual Intelligence

What is Spirituality?My definition is that
“Spirituality is the innate human need to connect with
something larger than ourselves.”

But what is this “something larger than
ourselves?”It
is something beyond our ego-self or constricted sense of self.It may be defined as
having two components: the vertical and the horizontal.

Vertical component:something sacred, divine, timeless and placeless…a
Higher Power, Source, Ultimate Consciousness – or any
other language the person prefers.Desiring to be
connected to and guided by this Source.

Horizontal component:being of service to our fellow humans and to the planet
at large.

How can we be “Spiritually
Intelligent?”What
would a “spiritually intelligent” person look like?

Who
is a “Spiritual Leader”?

I begin many of my workshops by asking
people – typically working in teams - two simple questions.

1.Write down the
spiritual leaders/teachers you have admired in your life

2.List the character
traits that caused you to admire these people

I have done this now with thousands of
people.What I
find both reassuring and fascinating is that the lists look so
similar from group to group.The list typically includes major religious figures
from many traditions, global peace activists, local religious
leaders, teachers, guidance counselors, family members and
spiritual writers.

The traits that caused these people to be
considered “spiritual leaders” typically includes
descriptors such as:loving,
kind, forgiving, peaceful, courageous, honest, generous,
persistent, faithful, wise, and inspiring.

What the consistency of the responses tells
me is that we already have a general perception of what makes
someone “spiritually intelligent.”What we do not yet
have is a way of describing Spiritual Intelligence that is
faith-neutral and specifically focused on the skills and
abilities we are trying to attain when we seek spiritual
growth.

Defining
Spiritual Intelligence:

I define Spiritual Intelligence as “the
ability to behave with Compassion and Wisdom while maintaining
inner and outer peace (equanimity) regardless of the
circumstances.”Compassion
and Wisdom together form the manifestation of Love.“Behave” is
important because it focuses on how well we maintain our
center, stay calm, and actually treat others with compassion
and wisdom.The
statement of “regardless of the circumstances” shows that
we can maintain our peaceful center and loving behaviors even
under great stress.This is what we admire in our spiritual leaders.

Based on this definition I have created a
list of skills which I believe represents the skills of
Spiritual Intelligence.They
are:

Spiritual Intelligence (SQ) Skills

Higher Self/Ego self
Awareness

1.Awareness of own worldview

2.Awareness of life purpose (mission)

3.Awareness of values hierarchy

4.Complexity of inner thought

5.Awareness of Ego self / Higher Self

Universal Awareness

6.Awareness of interconnectedness of all life

7.Awareness of worldviews of others

8.Breadth of time / space perception

9.Awareness of limitations/power of human
perception

10.Awareness of Spiritual laws

11.Experience
of transcendent oneness

Higher
Self/Ego self Mastery

12.Commitment to spiritual growth

13.Keeping Higher Self in charge

14.Living your purpose and values

15.Sustaining your faith

16.Seeking guidance from Spirit

Social Mastery / Spiritual
Presence

17.A wise and effective spiritual teacher/mentor

18.A wise and effective change agent

19.Makes compassionate and wise decisions

20.A calming, healing presence

21.Being aligned with the ebb and flow of life

Each of these skills has been described in
five levels of skill proficiency.Level 0 is implied,
and means that the person has not begun to develop that skill.Level 5 is the highest
level we measure with our online self-assessment.No skill or level is
considered “required.”And even at Level 5 a person is not considered
“finished” as there is always room to grow.

Skill 5:Awareness
of Higher Self/ Ego self

Level
1

Can communicate understanding of the nature of Ego self- including its
origin and the purpose it serves in spiritual
development

2

Demonstrates ability to observe personal Ego in operation and comment
on what seems to trigger Ego eruptions

3

Demonstrates awareness of and ability to periodically "listen
to" Spirit or Higher Self as a separate voice from
Ego self

4

Hears the voice of Spirit or Higher Self clearly and understands the
"multiple voices" that Ego self can have.Gives authority to voice of Higher Self in important
decisions.

Highest
Level 5

Spirit or Higher Self voice is clear and consistent.Ego self is
present and is a joyful advisor to Higher Self.There is no
longer a struggle between the two voices. Rather there
is a sense of only “one voice” …the Higher Self
(Authentic Self, Spirit) voice

What
good is the study of SQ?

Religious beliefs have often divided our
planet and caused war.My
first goal is to create a language that enables us to discuss
these concepts without being limited to the language of any
one faith tradition.I
hope to create an SQ language - with clear definitions
(showing synonyms from many belief systems) -that helps to
create understanding among the peoples of our planet.

My second goal is to create a
competency-based language that helps people assess where they
are and where they want to go in their own spiritual
development.Based
on our beta pilot of 549 people it seems clear the CPI SQ
assessment instrument does in fact accomplish this second
goal.

Finally, the development of SQ will not
only benefit individuals, it will also benefit their families,
communities, and the companies they work for.My third goal is that
the faith-neutral language of competencies will make SQ
acceptable for discussion in the workplace…the place where
most of us spend most of our time.This will hopefully
lead to support for individual and group SQ growth –
creating more meaningful work, improved products and services,
and ensuring responsible corporate behavior.

In the end we are alike in our suffering,
our hopes and our joys.We
are all striving to reach the same goals:peace and love.Perhaps with a more
neutral language for SQ we can see our commonality and work
together towards getting there.